What to ask when buying used speakers?


I have purchased used components in the past and I can do this with confidence their functionality is well defined and easily verified. I am starting to look for a new set of speakers and will consider buying used. Assuming that I am doing this over distance and will not be able to inspect or demo the speakers in person, what are some good questions to ask to determine the real state of the speakers? Any red flags? Can used speakers have incurred subtle damages or wear that will affect the sound? For the sake of discussion, let's assume that they are less than five years old so we can rule out decaying surrounds and old caps, etc.

zlone

Showing 3 responses by grislybutter

  • photos from each side
  • any scratches
  • look out for details on the photo, is it surrounded by a well cared for system, or on a bench outside?
  • original packaging
  • what amp it was used with
  • seller's communication - eager, strangely too eager, normal, reluctant, etc...
  • seller's background - when it's craigslist, or something iffy, definitely look them up e.g. linkedin

@oddiofyl  you can always contact the vendor and ask if you they are willing to transfer the warranty

@ellajeanelle people who want more for their money and have a limited budget will take the risks. I had been burned by vendors more than by private parties. Honestly, from individual sellers everything arrived in a better condition than described, so far and all my buyers have said the same. Some vendors want to/have to move their products whatever way they can, scratched, damaged, and I spent way more time arguing with them than with individuals. My time is valuable too.